Head Pastry Chef - Fine Dining, Lead & Create

Placements24; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses and professional growth

Premium ingredients and facilities

Training and competitions

Employee discounts

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Head Pastry Chef for a critically acclaimed fine-dining restaurant in Johannesburg. You will lead the pastry department, design and execute a sophisticated pastry menu, and collaborate with the Executive Chef to shape the overall culinary direction.

The role requires at least 7 years in pastry with 3 in leadership, formal pastry education preferred, mastery of sugar, chocolate, baking, and plating; strong cost control, HACCP, and a passion for seasonal, local

Qualifications

• 7+ years in pastry, with 3+ years in a supervisory role
• Formal culinary/pastry education preferred
• Mastery of classic and modern pastry techniques (baking, sugar, chocolate, plating)
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Knowledge of food costing, inventory management, and waste reduction
• Proficiency with HACCP and food safety standards
• Ability to perform under pressure in a fine-dining/kitchen environment

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement an innovative, seasonal pastry menu
• Lead, train, and mentor the pastry team
• Oversee daily pastry production and ensure consistency and quality
• Manage pastry inventory, food costs, and supplier relationships
• Ensure adherence to food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards
• Collaborate with Executive Chef on menu development and culinary direction
• Maintain high standards of presentation and plating
• Conduct performance reviews and provide feedback to pastry team
• Source high-quality ingredients prioritizing local and seasonal produce
• Contribute ideas for events, tasting menus, and collaborations

Skills

Team leadership

Pastry mastery

Menu development

Creativity

Food cost control

HACCP knowledge

Dessert plating

Education

Culinary or pastry education

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Head Pastry Chef for a critically acclaimed fine-dining restaurant in Johannesburg. You will lead the pastry department, design and execute a sophisticated pastry menu, and collaborate with the Executive Chef to shape the overall culinary direction.

The role requires at least 7 years in pastry with 3 in leadership, formal pastry education preferred, mastery of sugar, chocolate, baking, and plating; strong cost control, HACCP, and a passion for seasonal, local